Outdoor Recreation

Get Outside on Route 66

The high-desert climate of Albuquerque makes the city an ideal location for outdoor recreation. Experience on average 310 sunny days a year and all four seasons. Albuquerque is bordered by the Sandia Mountains, and the terrain is perfect for hiking and biking. Explore the Paseo del Bosque Trail, a 16-mile paved multi-use trail that runs right along the Rio Grande, to see wildlife and experience an outdoor oasis in the middle of the city. Start planning your trip today to see all the outdoor adventures Albuquerque has to offer.

Sandia Mountains

The Sandia Mountains border Albuquerque to the east. There are multiple outdoor recreation opportunities just off Route 66 in the foothills of the Sandias. The Route 66 Open Space is currently under development. It is contiguous with the Manzano Open Space, which offers hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails. The South Foothills Trail 365, a 12.7-mile long trail beginning at the bottom of the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, has an access point just off Route 66, along with the nearby Hilldale Loop Trailhead.

Three people hike the Piedra Lisa trail in the Sandia foothills

Rio Grande Bosque

Explore the cottonwood forest along the Rio Grande known as the bosque. Head to Tingley Beach, which features fishing ponds and access to both paved and unpaved trails. Rent a bike from Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals for a self-guided excursion, or book their ABQ Historic Riverside Bike Tour to explore the bosque with a guide. For those that aren't afraid to get wet, rent a paddleboard or kayak from MST Adventures and take it for a spin on the Rio Grande.

A woman runs on a trail in the Rio Grande bosque.